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Vermillion Lakes, Alberta

First Passage to the West

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Rocky Mountaineer logo featuring a mountain shield design, representing luxury train travel through the Canadian Rockies.

First Passage to the West

FPW Routes

The only Rocky Mountaineer® route that travels to Banff and Lake Louise, journeying between Vancouver and the untouched wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.

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Map showing the route from Vancouver, British Columbia to Lake Louise, Alberta, with Kamloops as an intermediate stop, highlighting the geographical locations and major cities along the way.

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Scenic view of a train traveling along a river in the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic peaks under a cloudy sky.

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First Passage to the West Classic Banff

6 Days / 5 Nights

 

Destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops,

Banff

 

Prices From: $3,083 – $6,588 CAD pp

Map highlighting the route from Vancouver to Banff, showcasing key locations including Kamloops, situated between British Columbia and Alberta.
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First Passage to the West Excursion Banff

7 Days / 6 Nights

 

Destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Calgary

 

Prices From: $3,530 – $7,193 CAD pp

Map illustrating the route from Vancouver to Calgary, highlighting key stops including Kamloops and Banff, with British Columbia and Alberta regions labeled.
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Two elk engage in a sparring match in a misty mountainous landscape, surrounded by grass and rocky terrain, with fog rolling over the mountains in the background.

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First Passage to the West Discovery

9 Days / 8 Nights

 

Destinations: Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary

 

Prices From: $4,965 – $7,205 CAD pp

Map of a travel route from Vancouver, British Columbia, through Kamloops, to Calgary, Alberta, highlighting key destinations including Lake Louise and Banff.
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Potential Itinerary

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Day 1: Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and explore this scenic coastal city at your leisure. Consider visiting Stanley Park, Granville Island, or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Continue your exploration of Vancouver, perhaps taking a small ferry to Granville Island or enjoying the vibrant culinary scene. Overnight in Vancouver.

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver, embarking on a journey through the lush Fraser Valley. Witness dramatic landscapes, including the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains and the raging whitewater of Hell’s Gate, before arriving in Kamloops for an overnight stay.

Continue eastward by train, traversing the Continental Divide and marveling at the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. Enjoy panoramic views of mountain passes and dramatic canyons en route to Banff, where you’ll spend the night.

Spend the day exploring Banff’s stunning natural attractions. Take a ride on the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain views and visit Lake Minnewanka for a scenic boat tour or a lakeside hike.

Hike through Johnston Canyon to see its beautiful waterfalls and limestone cliffs. End your trip with a relaxing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Day 1: Banff

Arrive in Banff and explore its charming town centre, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Consider visiting local shops, cafes, and the Banff Park Museum to acquaint yourself with the area’s natural history.

Embark on a hike to the summit of Tunnel Mountain for panoramic views of the Bow Valley. In the afternoon, relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and journey westward, witnessing the dramatic change from the lush forests of the Rockies to the desert-like landscapes surrounding Kamloops. Enjoy gourmet meals onboard while taking in the diverse scenery.

Continue your train journey through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley and alongside the rushing waters of the Fraser River. Arrive in Vancouver, a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning backdrop of mountains and ocean.

Explore Stanley Park, featuring lush forests, walking trails, and the famous Seawall. Visit Granville Island Public Market to experience local artisans, fresh produce, and diverse food vendors.

Stroll through the historic Gastown district, known for its cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, and the iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Conclude your visit with a trip to the Vancouver Art Gallery, home to an extensive collection of Canadian and world art.

An Iconic Train Journey Connecting Vancouver, Lake Louise, and Banff

Journey through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, cross the Continental Divide, and take in awe-inspiring landscapes as you navigate mountain passes and deep canyons. As the only passenger rail service on this historic route, Rocky Mountaineer® carries on the tradition of connecting Canada from East to West.

Map showing the route from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta, with key locations marked including Kamloops.

Route Highlights

Vancouver

Black Canyon

Kamloops Lake

Stoney Creek Bridge

Castle Mountain

Lake Louise

Banff

What to Expect

A waiter serving two plates of colorful gourmet dishes, one featuring pasta with vegetables and cheese, and the other a vibrant salad with greens, beans, and sun-dried tomatoes, in a modern dining setting.

Gourmet Dining

Savour regionally inspired, chef-prepared meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served onboard in a refined setting.
Scenic view of the Rocky Mountaineer train traveling along a rocky coastline beside a vibrant turquoise lake, surrounded by mountains and pine trees under a clear blue sky.

All Daylight Trains

Travel exclusively during daylight hours, ensuring you never miss a single scenic highlight along the route.
Interior view of a scenic train journey featuring passengers enjoying the panoramic views through large glass windows, with a conductor providing a guided experience amidst a backdrop of majestic mountains and lush forests.

Captivating Storytelling

Onboard hosts bring the journey to life with rich commentary about the landscapes, wildlife, and history, making every mile more meaningful.
Lodge-style hotel exterior featuring wooden architecture and stone accents, surrounded by trees and mountain scenery, with guests enjoying the outdoor seating area.

Premier Accomodation

Enjoy carefully selected hotels at each overnight stop, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey with top-tier service and prime locations.

FAQ

First Passage to the West

How long is the First Passage to the West journey from Vancouver to Banff?
This scenic rail journey spans two days, with an overnight hotel stay included. Each day on board lasts between 10 to 14 hours, offering a relaxed pace to soak in the incredible mountain views while enjoying exceptional service and gourmet meals.

Travelers are treated to freshly prepared meals showcasing local flavours and high-quality ingredients, with breakfast and lunch served each day. A variety of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic options, are available throughout the journey.

Rocky Mountaineer trains are designed for maximum comfort and breathtaking views, featuring glass-dome coaches that provide an immersive look at the surrounding landscapes. For those who want a closer connection to nature, outdoor viewing platforms allow passengers to step outside and take in the fresh air. Inside, spacious, reclining seats with generous legroom ensure a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

 

To accommodate guests with mobility needs, the train includes a hydraulic lift for easier access and accessible restrooms, making the journey comfortable for all travelers.

Rocky Mountaineer operates exclusively during daylight hours, ensuring passengers can fully appreciate the stunning landscapes along the route. Instead of sleeper cars, guests stay overnight in a hotel in Kamloops before resuming their journey the next day. This allows for a comfortable night’s rest off the train, so you wake up refreshed and ready to experience more breathtaking scenery.

The train operates in both directions—westbound from Banff to Vancouver and eastbound from Vancouver to Banff. You can choose either route based on your itinerary and travel preferences.

We strive to make your journey as seamless as possible for all guests with mobility or accessibility needs. 

 

Boarding & Seating: Guests who need assistance can use a hydraulic lift or ramp to board. SilverLeaf coaches are single-level, while GoldLeaf coaches have an elevator for access between levels.

 

Wheelchair Accessibility: We accommodate guests transferring from a wheelchair to a regular seat in all service levels. Full-time wheelchair users can be accommodated in SilverLeaf Service with tie-downs.

 

Motorcoach & Sightseeing Tours: Hydraulic lifts are not available for motorcoach transfers, and sightseeing tour accessibility varies by provider—please check in advance.

 

Hotels & Service Animals: Accessible hotel rooms can be requested, but availability is limited. Service animals are welcome with prior notice.

 

Oxygen Tanks: Can be stored at your seat, and most seats have electrical outlets for charging.

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